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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Ecuador, please see Ireland.ie.

Ecuador

If you’re travelling to Ecuador our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Natural Disasters and Climate
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

Latest Travel Alert

On 9 August 2023, a candidate for the 20 August Presidential elections was killed in Quito. A 60-day state of emergency for the whole country was introduced on 10 August 2023. Travelers to Ecuador should avoid protests and political gatherings.

General Travel Advice

Citizens should exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

We advise against all travel within the 20km exclusion zone along the border with Colombia, except for the official border-crossing town of Tulcan in Carchi province, due to the security situation. We also advise that you avoid non-essential travel to the Sucumbios and Esmeraldas provinces outside the 20km exclusion zone.

The security situation in the areas of Esmeraldas, Carchi and Sucumbios provinces can change quickly. Travellers to these areas should follow local advice and pay close attention to Ecuadorean authorities.

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for stays up to 90 days.

A valid passport is required for travel to Ecuador. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used.

For more information on visas and passports, please see the Additional Information tab.

Visitors to Ecuador are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Chile on Twitter to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Crime

Violent crime and theft are common. You should remain extremely vigilant and cautious about your surroundings whilst travelling around Ecuador. Armed robbery is a risk throughout Ecuador, but especially in Quito, Guayaquil and in remote areas. The threat of crime has increased in recent years. Violent crime remains high in Guayaquil and Quito, with reports of homicide, gunpoint robberies and home invasions. Armed thieves have also intercepted vehicles and threatened passengers. Like other areas of the country, general crime rates and gang-related incidents have increased in Guayaquil. Particular caution should be exercised in the downtown and southern parts of the city.

Earthquakes and natural disasters

Ecuador is situated in an area prone to seismic activity. Please see the Natural Disasters and Climate section for more information.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Ecuador by dialling 911. Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police: 101
  • Fire brigade: 102
  • Ambulance: 131

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Ecuador, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Chile.

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Crime

Crime can be an issue in Ecuador and you should take sensible precautions.

There is a continuing risk of violent crimes against foreign nationals with reports of European nationals being attacked, robbed and sexually assaulted. The area of La Mariscal, popular with tourists, can be particularly dangerous.

You should remain extremely vigilant and cautious about your surroundings whilst travelling around Ecuador, especially on arrival in the country.

Crime by unregistered taxi drivers is also on the rise. If you require a taxi, please ensure that you only hail an authorised radio taxi (yellow cab); these taxis display their taxi registration sticker on the windscreen and doors and have licence plates.

Interstate travel is dangerous, with an increase in robberies at bus stations. We advise against travelling at night.

The Northern border with Colombia has a higher crime rate, including kidnappings, than the rest of the country, and we advise against all travel to this region.

Tours and Adventure Activities 

Transport and tour operators don't always follow recommended safety precautions and maintenance standards, including for adventure activities. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when undertaking these activities and ensure they are fully aware of the risks involved. Make sure you use a reputable operator and check that the equipment is in good condition. It is strongly recommended that you have a comprehensive insurance policy. 

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Illegal Drugs

Drug trafficking is a serious problem in Ecuador. Do not handle illicit drugs, and do not transport packages in your luggage back to Ireland for anyone, even if they are well known to you. Arrests for drug trafficking are common and conviction leads to severe penalties, including up to two years being held on remand prior to sentencing and lengthy prison sentences in harsh and dangerous conditions in Ecuadorian prisons.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Natural disasters and climate

Please be aware that Ecuador is in an earthquake zone and is also subject to volcanic eruptions. Travelers should check the website of the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute for the latest information.

Earthquakes and natural disasters

There is increased risk of earthquakes (the last major earthquake (6.8 magnitude) occurred on 18 March 2023) and other natural disasters. You should make yourself familiar with evacuation procedures in whatever area of the country you are in, and in case of emergency, follow the advice of the local authorities.

Climate

The country has a very wide-ranging climate. The four main regions of the country are La Sierra (Highlands), La Costa (Coastal Lowlands), El Oriente (Amazon region) and the Galapagos Islands and each of them has different temperatures, climates and seasons.

La Sierra (Highlands) has cooler weather and temperatures change with altitude. In the Andes, the climate changes according to the elevation and the period of the year. The temperature in Quito at night is 7ºC, 26ºC at midday; the average temperature is around 16ºC. La Costa's (Coastal lowlands) climate is normally very warm with an average temperature of 25ºC to 31ºC throughout the year. The rainy season is from December to May which is warm and very humid. The dry season is slightly humid. The climate in Piedra Blanca (settled between the upland and lowlands) is very pleasant. El Oriente (Amazon region) usually has a warm, rainy and humid climate. Average daylight temperature varies from 23ºC to 25ºC. The Galapagos Islands experience warm and dry climate, which continue throughout the year, 28º C is the average temperature

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens can travel to Ecuador without a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days.

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter Ecuador. While the wearing of facemasks is no longer mandatory in Ecuador, travellers may be asked to wear them by private establishments. It is recommended to carry a mask and proof of vaccination at all times.

An official entry stamp is required for those entering Ecuador via the land border with Peru or Colombia. Ecuadorian immigration officials may deny entry to travellers not in possession of an exit stamp from Peru/Colombia.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling (8 weeks) to see if you need any vaccinations for Ecuador.

Zika Virus

There is a risk of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)

Dengue Fever

Ecuador is a risk country for dengue fever transmission. Take precautions against being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes, which are active throughout the day.

Malaria

Malaria risk is present throughout most of the country. You should discuss anti-malarial treatment with your doctor before you travel, and take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness can also present problems, especially in Quito which is located 2800 metres above sea level. You should seek medical advice on the risks of altitude sickness before traveling to Ecuador.

 

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

The Embassy operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance outside of hours, on weekends and on public holidays. If you are in need of emergency assistance during these times, you should leave a message on the emergency message system by calling +56 2 3304 6600. The emergency message system is checked regularly outside of office hours and a member of the Embassy staff will contact you as soon as possible.
When you leave a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (e.g. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying).

Alternatively, you may contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.

Embassy of Ireland
Apoquindo 2929
Piso 18
Las Condes
Santiago
Chile

Tel: Tel: +56 2 3304 6600
Monday to Friday 9.00-13.00

Contact us

Honorary Consulate Contact

Mr. George McCabe,
Honorary Consulate of Ireland,
Samborondon Business Center,
Torre B, Piso 3, Ofic. 301,
Km 1.5 via Samborondon,
Guayaquil – Ecuador.

Tel: +593 99569 7020

Monday to Friday 09:00 – 12:00
By appointment only.

Email: Email us